The leader of the Democratic Party, Sali Berisha, held a press conference this Wednesday, continuing his accusations of massive manipulation during the May 11 elections. Berisha accused the ruling majority of distorting the will of the Albanian people through the use of criminal gangs during the campaign.

“Every passing hour brings forward devastating facts and documents about the electoral farce of May 11, organized by the Toto Riina of Tirana, Edi Rama. But I am here, above all, to express my appreciation for all the commissioners, counters, and opposition observers who, even under conditions of state terror, are fulfilling their duty with dedication. I invite them to carry this mission through to the end,” stated Berisha.

He emphasized that the opposition is preparing a “powerful fight” to defend the right to vote, which he said has been gravely violated.

“This is the best way to protect every vote, to prove to Albanians and the world the electoral farce of May 11 organized by the narco-regime. The Democratic Party and the opposition are preparing a powerful fight to defend the right to vote of the Albanian people,” Berisha added, also welcoming the preliminary reports from international observers who, according to him, “de facto have rejected the legitimacy of these elections.”

Berisha also reacted harshly to what he called “police terror against DP commissioners,” denouncing the arrest of Luan Tollozhina in Pogradec after an incident with a Socialist representative.

“The whole incident was a police trap against him. I condemn the imprisonment of a citizen who defended the vote. I demand the immediate release of Luan Tollozhina,” said Berisha.

In his statement, the opposition leader also warned that “the criminal organizations that have hijacked the elections and possess billions of euros” will be designated as terrorist organizations: “The law will be ruthless against them, as they have become the hostage-takers of democracy and of an entire nation.”